EXPLAINER: The Truth Behind NDLEA’s Position on Cannabis Oil By Arafat A. Abdulrazaq
When reports surfaced that the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) had “approved” the export of cannabis oil, it quickly stirred debate and confusion across Nigeria’s policy and public health circles.
A closer look, however, shows that the agency’s remarks were not an endorsement of cannabis use or a sign of legalization, but a scientific contribution to an ongoing national discussion.
What really happened
The controversy began after NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd.), spoke at a workshop organized by the Nigerian Academy of Science (NAS) in Abuja.
During his presentation on the prospects of cannabis oil export, Marwa said the agency was “not averse to the controlled and regulated export of cannabis oil” for international markets, while maintaining its opposition to local use in line with existing law and the country’s high rate of drug abuse.
His comments, made in a scientific forum, were intended as an academic opinion — not a policy announcement.
NDLEA’s clarification
Following media reports suggesting a shift in government policy, the NDLEA issued a clarification.
According to the agency, the Chairman’s remarks reflected NDLEA’s professional and research-based position, not the Federal Government’s official stance. It explained that the NDLEA had commissioned the Nigerian Academy of Science to conduct a detailed study on cannabis oil to produce data-driven recommendations for policy consideration.
“The agency’s position was one of the many views canvassed by stakeholders at the workshop and should not be mistaken for Federal Government approval,” the NDLEA stated.
Why this conversation matters
Globally, several countries have explored the medicinal and economic potential of cannabis oil, particularly CBD — a non-psychoactive compound known for its therapeutic value.
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But Nigeria’s context is unique. The country’s drug abuse prevalence stands at 14.4 percent — nearly three times the global average, according to the 2018 National Drug Use Survey. Cannabis remains the most abused substance, with about 10.6 million users nationwide.
Given these figures, the NDLEA’s cautious approach is rooted in public health realities. Premature legalization or commercial production could worsen addiction and mental health challenges already straining Nigeria’s healthcare system.
So, what exactly is cannabis oil?
Cannabis oil is extracted from the cannabis plant and contains cannabinoids — mainly THC (the psychoactive compound responsible for the “high”) and CBD (the non-psychoactive compound used for medical purposes in some countries).
While CBD oil has recognized therapeutic benefits, products containing THC remain tightly controlled worldwide because of their potential for abuse.
The NDLEA’s position, therefore, is that cannabis oil should be discussed only in the context of scientific research and possible regulated export — not local use or open trade.
NDLEA’s evolving role
Under Brig. Gen. Marwa’s leadership, the NDLEA has broadened its scope beyond law enforcement to include research, policy development, and public health advocacy.
Its engagement in the cannabis oil debate reflects a growing embrace of evidence-based policymaking — where science, not sentiment, guides decisions.
This approach aligns with the agency’s collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) under Nigeria’s National Drug Control Master Plan (NDCMP 2021–2025), which emphasizes prevention, treatment, and data-driven reforms.
The takeaway
The NDLEA’s position is not about legalizing cannabis — it’s about understanding it.
By promoting open dialogue and commissioning research, the agency is ensuring that when Nigeria eventually decides on cannabis policy, it will do so with facts, not assumptions; with science, not speculation.
In simple terms, NDLEA’s message is clear: Nigeria must “learn before it decides.”
